Quality management systems and educational quality in Mexican Higher Education Public Institutions

Abstract

at current global competitive markets characterized with new regulations, higher education institutions require management systems to assure the achievement of goals and objectives. Thus, quality in processes and work routines imply systems certified in ISO 9001 or 21001 from external parties. This study analyzes the impact of process management and strategic planning on educational quality of 48 public universities in Mexico that belong to a national association and hold ISO 9001:2015 certifications. The objective is centered in determining the effect of process management and strategic planning on educational quality. By using partial least squares structural equation modelling through Smart PLS, results indicate that process management has a positive impact on educational quality; while strategic planning has no impact on the dependent variable. In one hand, the significant result of process management on educational quality is consistent with literature about quality management systems at higher education institutions. In the other hand, the non-significant impact of strategic planning on educational quality is consistent with studies including public institutions with budgets not dependent on institutional performance or student admissions.